Derby disappointment

Liverpool dominated the first half of today’s Mersyside Derby (what were we saving it for, a seven-against-seven in Huyton?) en route to a 1-0 victory over Everton. Liverpool were so in control of the first 45 minutes that we were lucky to be down by only the one goal. On the other hand, Liverpool owed that goal to a horrible piece of play by Yakubu, who inexcusably lost possession after a Shite corner kick had been cleared to him by the Everton defense (in which Joseph Yobo excelled).
Everton picked things up in the second half. However, with several key scoring threats absent (as I previewed yesterday), we never looked like scoring. In fact, our bench consisted of two left-backs and two central midfielders. This left us unable to bring on a true second striker to partner Yukubu, even as our hopes for participating in the Champions League dwindled away. To make things worse, Mickel Arteta had only one truly good delivery the entire match, which Leon Osman (under a bit of defensive pressure) was unable to head on goal.
Liverpool does have a tough schedule the rest of the way. But they are now five points ahead of us with only six matches left, and we’re the team that’s struggling. So realistically, it’s time to start thinking in terms of holding onto fifth place.